Gordon Strachan has spoken about being depressed, persecuted, humiliated and embarrassed following the condemnation he received after making controversial comments about Adam Johnson, a player he managed for Middlesbrough.

The former Boro boss was heavily criticised after he commented on Johnson’s possible return to professional football after serving time in jail for engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old fan.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Debate programme last month, Strachan said: “Is it all right to call him names now after doing his three years - have we got to allow that to happen? If he goes on to the pitch and people start calling him names, have we got to do the same as it is to the racist situation?”

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There was widespread criticism of the comment on social media and the 62-year-old issued an apology, saying : “In no way did I intended to confuse or conflate the very serious issue of racism targeted at footballers with the potential verbal abuse towards a player who has been convicted of a sexual offence.”

Despite his apology, though, he was dropped as a pundit by Sky Sports.

Gordon Strachan

Now he’s spoken at length about the reaction to his initial comments and the affect it has had on him and his family.

In an interview with the Times conducted during a school coaching session in Coventry, Strachan said: “The first time I walked back in here, I looked at the players.

“The black lads are all my mates, and I hope they don’t think I trivialise racist abuse. After 47 years in the game, I’m now having to try and justify myself. I don’t want to be known for that clumsy mistake. It’s heartbreaking.

“I’m truly sorry for the clumsiness of my words,” he added. “I got persecuted, humiliated and embarrassed for something that was clumsy. I wouldn’t put my worst enemy through those three days.

“I didn’t eat, couldn’t sleep, couldn’t speak to people. It affected my family. I still get it now. When I’m sitting on my own, it’s ‘woah’.

“I’ve been depressed. Even just now, watching this training session, is therapeutic for me. I like the camaraderie, the fun. I need conversation about football, doing a bit of coaching.”

Strachan managed Middlesbrough from October 2009 to October 2010. He coached Johnson for the first four months of his time on Teesside before the then 22-year-old made a £7m move to Manchester City.